Join In Sun And Shades Of Nature At ‘Derthu’

By: Apr 7th, 2018 12:11 am

Jagdish Bali

(The writer is based at Kumarsain, Shimla)

Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the Western Himalayas, is the province laden with snow. Both beautiful and bountiful, here nature showcases itself in different aspects and phenomena. Snow-capped hills, vast valleys, inviting grounds, dense forests, exhilarating glades, charming pastures, rivers and ravines, arresting waterfalls, snakelike roads, lush farmlands, orchards, flower laden trees – all forms of natures present a real irresistible feast for the travellers and tourists. This makes our state a unique and privileged one. Not less than other hilly states, it can easily be called a heaven on earth.

Many places in the state are well known, well explored and have thus become known destinations for the tourists. But there remain many that are still keeping a low profile on tourist map. Thus the real fun of being a tourist in the state is just to loaf around. One such place is Derthu which is nestled amidst dense forest near Narkanda in Shimla district at a height of about 3000 meter. Though basically a place of pilgrims for the devotees of Goddess Durga, yet it has much more to offer for the tourists. The temple dedicated to Maa Durga at Derthu is thronged by people during Navratras in March and October. However, nowadays it is being renovated and is on the turning into a beautiful specimen of wood work and carving.

Moving ahead about a kilometer from Narkanda on Hindustan Tibet Road, a kucha road branches off from it at a broad turn and leads through the dense forest to Derthu. The ten kilometer journey upward on the bumpy, winding and undulating road is exciting and is a real adventure. Those having good driving skill and valour can reach the destination. On the both sides of the road are various kinds of pine trees, rhododendron laden with red flowers and tress with broad leaves standing there as an inviting host. If the day is bright, these trees seem welcoming and saying hello to the guest though their cool soothing air that ruffles against the faces of the travellers through the open car window.

However, those many who can’t make it in their cars to the destination, may pull over three or four kilometre before the temple. But to them fun and frolic is not over. They can believe their feet and wander lonely as a cloud. Believe me that not all who wander are lost. You will find that walk on foot more adventurous. Choose a bright sunny day in the month from late March to June or October to November to visit this abode of goddess. The shimmery of sun rays making ways through tree leaves striking you and the earth is rare delight. You will feel playing hide and seek with suns and shades. There is nothing as serene as seeing the meadows amongst lofty pine trees. At least one or two may seem semblances of Naldehra Golf Course. Cows and bulls grazing in the green meadows present the nature in its pristine glory.

In such an ambience one can’t think of anything better than this that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder and ecstatic delight.  In the month of April, the sight of white sheet of snow covering the shady patches gives a feeling of rare coolness in the hot summer day. But yes, don’t forget to capture the beauty with your high pixel camera so that later when on your couch you may enjoy Wordsworthian bliss. For the lover of nature’s bountiful beauty, Derthu is an irresistible destination. The Tourism Department of the state need to develop this spot. Good road, staying facility and some recreational modes can change this enchanting abode into a tourists’ hot spot.

 

 


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